The sheriff to whom the existence of any contagious or infectious disease of domestic animals is reported shall proceed without delay to the place where such domestic animal or animals are and examine the same, and shall report immediately the result of such examination to the animal health commissioner. The sheriff shall enforce such temporary quarantine regulations as the animal health commissioner may direct to prevent the spread of such disease, until the animal health commissioner provides and orders suitable permanent quarantine rules and regulations. No sheriff who takes or detains such animals under the provisions of this act shall be liable to the owner or owners of such animals for any damages by reason of such taking or detention or by reason of the performance of any other duties directed by law.